Dear Friends,

Well I have been off for a few weeks because my mother died.  I want to thank
all of you who sent me notes and have sup portative during this long illness.
My mother is at peace and with my father.  This makes me very happy.

Your discussions about LLL and LC work has opened a very deep wound.  I have
enjoyed all of your comments.  It sounds as though LLLI might be coming to some
resolution.  I will have to try to get my hands on the Leaven article.  As I
have mentioned before, I did not want to breastfeed.  If it were not for some
patient LLLLs  who put up with me, I would have been a much different mother.  I
not only fell in love with breastfeeding but I also accepted much of the
parenting philosophy.  I learned to teach my children and not punish.  I learned
to socialize and not force  them.  LLL gave me direction and a profession.

I was one of the first to take the exam and set up a practice.  I chose to go on
reserve so I would not mix causes.  I still gave away many answers on the phone
and referred to LLL in town.  Most of the leaders were happy that I was now
available to answer those touchy medical questions that leaders are not to
answer.  When I left a large pediatric group in town (money, and a  who fought
me on iron and  milk allergies), the group would not tell anyone where I was.
LLL called me and asked what happened.  They had the word out in 24 hrs. and I
had patients before my boxes were unpacked.

I have always tried to give back to LLL when and where I could.  However, a few
years ago, I was asked on 3 separate occasions to speak at LLL functions.  Each
time the embarrassed local leader had to call to tell me that I could not speak.
If I was a nurse, I could speak as a nurse.  If I was still a leader I could
speak as a leader, but I could never speak as an LC.  This made me very sad and
I reluctantly retired.  I sent a letter to LLLI and was sent a less then nice
letter back.  I guess that there was problems with some leaders in other parts
of the country and I got zapped for it.  I still would like to do something for
league and it still hurts.

Well that felt good!  Sorry it was long.
Diane Herforth, BAE, IBCLC, ICCE
Tacoma WA